Box car end and liner

ABSTRACT

An end structure for a railway vehicle including an end wall having a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending corrugations. A liner structure having a plurality of rows of vertical beads is attached to the end wall so that the rows of vertical beads are nested within respective ones of the vertically spaced horizontally extending corrugations. In one embodiment the liner structure extends the full width and height of the car, the end-wall forming stiffeners terminating a distance from the car roof. In another embodiment the end wall extends the full height and width and the liner structure terminates short of the full height of the car.

United States Patent 1191 Allen I 1111 3,871,279 1451 Mar. 18, 1975 1 1BOX CAR END AND LINER [76] Inventor: John W. Allen, 1241 Douglas,

Flossmoor, 11]. 60422 [22] Filed: June 18, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 371,034

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.249,100, May 1,

1972, abandoned.

52 Us. 01. 105/410, 105/409 5 1 1111.01. B6ld 17/06 58 Field 01 Search105/410, 409

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,229,888 l/l941 Fraser105/410 2,292,251 8/1942 Test et al.

2,324,921 7/1943 Gilpin 2,373,378 4/1945 Breen et al. 105/410 2,379,6407/1945 Johnsen, Jr. 105/410 2,440,830 5/1948 OConnor 105/410 Primary ExaminerDrayton E. Hoffman Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sabin C. Bronson 57]ABSTRACT An end structure for a railway vehicle including an end wallhaving a plurality of vertically spaced hori- 'zontally extendingcorrugations. A liner structure having a plurality of rows of verticalheads is attached to the end wall so that the rows of vertical beads arenested within respective ones of the vertically spaced horizontallyextending corrugations.

In one embodiment the liner structure extends the full width and heightof the car, the end-wall forming stiffeners terminating a distance fromthe car roof.

In another embodiment the end wall extends the full height and width andthe liner structure terminates short of the full height of the car.

15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEB -3.871.279

' summers 1 BOX CAR END AND LINER RELATED APPLICATIONS This applicationis a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 249,100,filed May 1, 1972, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION of absorbing the impact-of lading carriedwithin the vehicle. During the initial use of this type of corrugatedend structure a wooden liner was attached to the inner surface thereof.The wooden liner also served to absorb a portion of the impact imposedon the end structure by the lading.

It is a current common practice to replace the wooden liner with a metalliner such as steel eitherin the form of a flat sheet or corrugated. Themetal liner is fastened to the corrugated end structure by only a fewplug welds. The liner when attached in this manner does not function aspart of the structural framework of the end but functions substantiallyonly as a surface against which the lading rests during transit.However, the metal liner does have the advantage over the wood in beingmore impact resistant to the fork lifts and the lift trucks duringloading and unloading of the lading.

By the present invention it is proposed to provide an end structureincluding a liner which is constructed and arranged so that it becomes astructural member of the end structure and imparts structure strengththereto.

This is accomplished generally by the provision of an end wallhaving aplurality of horizontal corrugations extending between the corner postand a liner having a plurality of rows of vertical beads. Each of therows of beads are nested within respective ones of the horizontalcorrugations.

In one embodiment of the invention the end wal structure includes ametal liner sheet or plate which is formed along each of the verticalends with a flat right angular flange. A plurality of side-by-sidehorizontal stiffeners of substantially hat shaped cross section arewelded to the liner along horizontal lines. The hat shaped stiffenerstaper at each end so that the ends of the stiffeners are flat and bentat right angles into overlying engagement with the right angular flangesof the liner. This structure wherein the hat shaped stiffeners aretapered at the ends results in an end structure having maximum strengthand at the same time sufficient flexibility tohave high impact absorbingcharacteristics.

In another embodiment, the end wall having the corrugations therein issturcturally attached across the end of the vehicle, and the liner withthe beads therein are attached to the end wall.

The present invention will be best understood from a consideration ofthe following detailed description, in view of the accompanying drawingshowever, it is to be understood that the invention is not confined tothe disclosure, but is susceptible of such changes and modificationswhich shall define no material departure from BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of a railway vehicleend structure embodying the structure of the present invention with someof the parts broken away to show underlying details of the linersturcture.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the'lines 22 ofFIG. 1 and showing in particular the structure of stiffeners along themajor portion of the length thereof and the attachment to the liner.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 3-3 ofFIG. 1 and showing in particular the cross sectional configuration ofthe tapered end thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 4-4 ofFIG. 1 and showing the cross sectional configuration of the stiffener atthe tapered end.

FIG. 5 is afragmentary cross sectional view taken generally along thelines 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of another embodiment of endstructure.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 8-8 ofFIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown an end 10 for a freightrailway vehicle and embodying the structure of the present invention.The end 10 comprises generally a liner sheet or plate 11 and a pluralityof horizontally disposed stiffeners 12 welded thereon. The stiffeners 12are each of substantially hat shaped cross section along the majorportion of the length thereof as shown in particular in FIG. 2. The hatshaped stiffener 12 each include a generally horizontal top web 13; adownwardly depending generally vertical webs 14 and lower horizontalwebs 16 extending from the vertical webs 14. In the embodiment shown thelower horizontal webs 16 of the adjacent or side-by-side stiffeners 12are in a substantial abutting relationship. In this manner thestiffeners 12 are in the nature of a plurality of vertically spacedhorizontal extending corrugations.

The stiffeners 12 are tapered or feathered at each end so that theterminal end portions 17 thereof are devoid of corrugations and aresubstantially flat. The terminal or flat end portions 17 are bent into aflange which is at substantially right angles to the hat shaped sectionof the stiffeners 12.

The tapering of the hat shaped section of the stiffeners is accomplishedas shown in particular in FIGS. 3

and 4 by providing a pair of lengthwise extending and tapered beads orgrooves 18 in the top horizontal web 13. The base 19 of the groove 18tapers to the same plane as the bottom horizontal webs 16. In thismanner each of the stiffeners 12 contact the liner 11 at four locations;namely at the base 19 of the two grooves and the bottom webs 16. Thebases 19-19 terminate short of the tapered end of the top horizontal web13 and prior to the right angular bend 17.

The liner 11 is a generally flat sheet having the vertical side portionsbent to form flanges 21 extending at right angles. A plurality ofhorizontally extending and vertically spaced pairs of beads 2222 areformed in y the liner 11. Each of the pairs of beads 2222 are spaced soas to be accommodated within the vertical webs l4-14 of the stiffeners12. The beads 2222 which are relatively shallow serve to stiffen theliner plate 11 which acts with the hat shaped stiffeners 12 as ahorizontal beam.

Disposed and extending between the respective pairs of shallow beads22-22 are a plurality of lengthwise spaced vertical beads 23. The beads23 are of substantially the same depth as the horizontal beads 22. Thebeads 23 serve to stiffen the liner plate 11 whereby the forces oflocalized impact applied thereon are transmitted to the webs of thehorizontal stiffeners 12 via the engagement between horizontal beads 22and the vertical webs 14. The vertical beads 23 also act as buckles inthe plate so that this portion'does not act as the compression flange ofthe stiffeners 12 which are welded thereon.

In this connection it should be mentioned that it is important tocontrol the amount of liner plate that acts as a compression member toprovide the design with maximum strength and also maximum flexibility,and thereby provide maximum energy resistance to impacts. Too great athickness of the stiffeners 12 will increase the stiffness but will notproduce a corresponding increase in strength. The design of the liner 11incorporating the horizontal beads increases the strength while at thesame time achieving optimum flexibility.

The hat shaped stiffeners are welded together along the abutting edgesof the flanges 16 which also welds them to the liner 11. Preferably thestiffeners 12 are welded to the liner while both are in the flatcondition. After welding, the marginal vertical ends of the assem-' bledliner and stiffeners are bent as shown in FIG. with the flanges 17 and21 in superimposed relationship. The flanges 17 and 21 may becontinuously welded to each other prior to forming the right angularbend.

It is to be noted that the right angular bend is formed with arelatively large radius or curve 25. This causes the tapered ends of thestiffeners 12 to be curved also sothat the hat shaped section is moreeasily feathered into a flat sheet. At the same time the bases 1919 ofthe indentations ortapering beads 18 engage the liner plate 11 in faceto face engagement. These locations at the radius 25 and the rightangular flange provide convenient locations for the punching of holesfor accommodating fastening means used to secure the end structure tothe freight vehicle corner posts.

Referring now to FIGS. 68 there is shown another embodiment of an endstructure 100 embodying the principals of the present invention. The endstructure 100 comprises an end wall 110 and a liner 111.

The end wall 110 is made from a plurality of plates having a number ofstiffeners or corrugations 112 pressed therein. The corrugations 112taper or feather into a flat sheet along the marginal edge which is bentat right angles to provide an attachment flange 114 along each side. Theflanges 114 are attached as by welding or other suitable fastening meansto corner posts 116. The end wall or plate 110 is formed with anextension 117 which is attached to the vehicle roof structure (notshown) in the conventional manner. A plurality of vertical corrugations118 may be formed in the extension 117 to stiffen the same.

The liner 111 is made from suitable rectangular flat sheet metal and mayinclude two sheets 119 and 121 which are welded to the inner face of theend plate 100. It is to be noted, as shown in FIG. 8, that the verticaledges 122 of the liner sheets 119 and 121 are spaced inwardly of theflanges 114. The sheets may be welded to the edge of one leg of theZ-bar forming the corner post. The number of rows 123 of verticallydisposed beads 124 pressed in the liner sheets correspond to the numberof corrugations 112 in the end wall 110 so that the beads 124 are nestedwithin the confines of each of the corrugations 112. The beads 124 servethe same function as the beads 23 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 tostiffen the liner plate 111 whereby the forces of localized impact aretransmitted to the webs of the horizontal corrugations 112. I

The liner sheets'119 and 121 are also welded to the end plate 110 ateach of the flat areas 125 by slotting the liner sheets 119 and 121 asshown at 126. In this manner the flat areas of the liner sheets 119 and121 act with the corrugations of the end plate to increase its strengthin the center portion. This provides a combination. structure withmaximum strength and maximum flexibility.

In the drawings and specifications there. has been set forth thepreferred embodiments of the invention, and although specific terms areemployed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes oflimitation. Changes in form and in the proportion ofparts, as well as the substitution of equivalents are contemplated, ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient, without departing fromthe spirit or scope of this invention as further defined in thefollowing claims.

I claim:

1. A railway vehicle end comprising a liner sheet terminating along eachof the side edges in flanges projecting at a substantially right angleto the plane of said sheet, a plurality of horizontal stiffeners weldedto said sheet, said stiffeners being of substantially hat shaped crosssection and tapering toward each of the side edges so that the ends ofsaid stiffeners are substantially flat and are bent in face-to-faceoverlying relation to said right angular flange of said liner sheet.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said hatshaped stiffeners are formed from a single plate.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said hat shapedstiffeners are welded to said liner sheet along horizontal lines betweeneach of said hat shaped stiffeners.

4. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the upper horizontal websof said ends of said hat shaped stiffeners are formed with at least onehorizontal bead of tapering depth, said bead being defined by a basewhich is in engagement with said liner adjacent said right angularflange.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein there are two shallowbeads.

6. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein the top web of saidstiffener adjacent said base web in engagement is curved toward saidliner.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of spacedbeads are formed in said liner and extend from side-to-side thereof,diminishing in size and feathering out into the flat liner sheet nearthe side edge thereof.

8. The invention as defined in claim'7, each stiffener spanning anadjacent pair of beads to cooperate therewith in increasing strengthwhile at the same -time achieving optimum flexibility.

9. The invention as defined in claim 7, and a plurality of spacedvertical beads extending between the horizontal beads and furtherincreasing strength of the end structure and acting as buckles in theplate and not as the compression flange of the stiffener.

10. A composite end structure for a railway vehicle comprising an end'wall having a plurality of spaced horizontally extending corrugationspressed therein, flanges along the sides of said end wall extendingsubstantially normal to the plane of said end wall, a rectangular metalliner sheet secured to said end wall along its side edges inwardly ofthe flanges of the end wall, a plurality of rows of vertically disposedbeads pressed in said-liner sheet and aligned with respective ones ofthe end wall corrugations, said beads projecting within the corrugationsof the end wall.

11. The invention as defined in claim wherein said end wall comprises aplurality of plates arranged in edge to edge relation, and weldedtogether and to the liner sheet.

12. The invention as defined in claim 10 wherein said end wall includesflanges projecting substantially normal to the plane of said end wallalong the vertical sides thereof and wherein said liner sheet includessimilar flanges mating with said flanges on said end wall.

' to edge relation, the parts of the end wall being welded together andto the liner sheet, and the parts of the liner sheet being weldedtogether and to the end wall.

15. A railway vehicle end structure for a railway car, comprising acorrugated .end, said corrugations being vertically spaced and extendingacross the end, and a liner sheet, said liner sheet having verticalhorizontally spaced beads projecting from the surface thereof, saidcorrugated end and said liner sheet being secured together so that saidbeads extend into the space of the end corrugations, said beadsdiminishing in size so that they feather out to a flat sheet at the areawhere the liner contacts the inside surface of the corrugated end. =l =l

1. A railway vehicle end comprising a liner sheet terminating along eachof the side edges in flanges projecting at a substantially right angleto the plane of said sheet, a plurality of horizontal stiffeners weldedto said sheet, said stiffeners being of substantially hat shaped crosssection and tapering toward each of the side edges so that the ends ofsaid stiffeners are substantially flat and are bent in face-to-faceoverlying relation to said right angular flange of said liner sheet. 2.The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said hatshaped stiffeners are formed from a single plate.
 3. The invention asdefined in claim 2 wherein said hat shaped stiffeners are welded to saidliner sheet along horizontal lines between each of said hat shapedstiffeners.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the upperhorizontal webs of said ends of said hat shaped stiffeners are formedwith at least one horizontal bead of tapering depth, said bead beingdefined by a base which is in engagement with said liner adjacent saidright angular flange.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 4 whereinthere are two shallow beads.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 4wherein the top web of said stiffener adjacent said base web inengagement is curved toward said liner.
 7. The invention as defined inclaim 1 wherein a plurality of spaced beads are formed in said liner andextend from side-to-side thereof, diminishing in size and feathering outinto the flat liner sheet near the side edge thereof.
 8. The inventionas defined in claim 7, each stiffener spanning an adjacent pair of beadsto cooperate therewith in increasing strength while at the same timeachieving optimum flexibility.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 7,and a plurality of spaced vertical beads extending between thehorizontal beads and further increasing strength of the end structureand acting as buckles in the plate and not as the compression flange ofthe stiffener.
 10. A composite end structure for a railway vehiclecomprising an end wall having a plurality of spaced horizontallyextending corrugations pressed therein, flanges along the sides of saidend wall extending substantially normal to the plane of said end wall, arectangular metal liner sheet secured to said end wall along its sideedges inwardly of the flanges of the end wall, a plurality of rows ofvertically disposed beads pressed in said liner sheet and aligned withrespective ones of the end wall corrugations, said beads projectingwithin the corrugations of the end wall.
 11. The invention as defined inclaim 10 wherein said end wall comprises a plurality of plates arrangedin edge to edge relation, and welded together and to the liner sheet.12. The invention as defined in claim 10 wherein said end wall includesflanges projecting substantially normal to the plane of said end wallalong the vertical sides thereof and wherein said liner sheet includessimilar flanges mating with said flanges on said end wall.
 13. Theinvention as defined in claim 10 wherein said end wall includes anextension on the upper end Thereof, said extension having a plurality ofvertically disposed beads formed therein.
 14. A composite end structurefor a railway vehicle comprising an end wall having a plurality ofvertically spaced horizontally extending corrugations, and a liner sheetsecured to said end, said liner sheet having a series of vertical beadsprojecting into the space of the end corrugations, said end wall andsaid liner sheet each composed of a plurality of parts arranged in edgeto edge relation, the parts of the end wall being welded together and tothe liner sheet, and the parts of the liner sheet being welded togetherand to the end wall.
 15. A railway vehicle end structure for a railwaycar, comprising a corrugated end, said corrugations being verticallyspaced and extending across the end, and a liner sheet, said liner sheethaving vertical horizontally spaced beads projecting from the surfacethereof, said corrugated end and said liner sheet being secured togetherso that said beads extend into the space of the end corrugations, saidbeads diminishing in size so that they feather out to a flat sheet atthe area where the liner contacts the inside surface of the corrugatedend.